Here are the activities in January sponsored by the Lincoln Council on Aging. For more information, call the COA at 781-259-8811.
The Lincoln Academy:
Barbara O’Brien—Sailing the South Pacific on a tall ship
January 6 at 12:30 p.m.
Come to Bemis Hall on Monday, January 6 at 12:30 to hear Barbara O’Brien discuss “Sailing the South Pacific on a Tall Ship.” Bring a bag lunch. The COA provides beverages and dessert. The lectures last about an hour, including a question and answer period. Participants are welcome to stay after the program to continue their discussion.
Coffee with artist Dilla Gooch Tingley
January 7 at 2:15 p.m.
Dilla Gooch Tingley will be exhibiting her art quilts at the Bemis Hall Gallery in January and February. Dilla has been fabricating creations of fiber since 1988. Fabric is truly her medium. The textures and saturated colors stimulate her creativity. The inspiration of great art through the ages drives her to people her quilts with beloved images from favorite artists, which she hopes will inspire viewers to see these works in a new light. Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso and Vincent Van Gogh are among the artists paraphrased in this whimsical potpourri of quilts. Come meet her at the COA’s “Coffee with the Artist” on Tuesday, January 7, at 2:15 p.m. at Bemis Hall.
Play piano duets with Evelyn Harris
January 9, 16, 23, and 30 at 11:30 a.m.
Evelyn Harris, for many years a piano teacher and performer in Lincoln, invites you to share the keyboard with her for an hour of music-making in Bemis Hall on each Thursday at 11:30 a.m. beginning January 9. Choose from many duet books representing many different levels of ability. Come to participate or just to listen. Evelyn looks forward to meeting old friends, and becoming acquainted with new friends.
Strategies for standing your ground and saying “no”
January 10 at 10:30 a.m.
We all know what it’s like to be pushed into doing things we don’t want to do, whether by a well-meaning family member, a salesperson, or an organization asking for a donation. Come find out some practical strategies for politely but firmly saying “no” and setting boundaries when Jan Seide, Ph.D., comes to Bemis Hall on Friday, January 10 at 10:30 a.m. Seide has been a psychologist for many years with broad experience in the fields of health and aging. She is currently in private practice in Lexington focusing on older adults and providing home-based services.
Protect your economic and personal safety
January 10 at 1 p.m.
Learn to protect yourself or a loved one from financial or other forms of exploitation and abuse when Betsey Crimmins of Greater Boston Legal Services comes to Bemis Hall on Friday, January 10 at 1 p.m. She will discuss how to protect yourself from financial exploitation, scams, and identity theft. In addition, she will explain about Powers of Attorney and then provide an opportunity for you to have a Power of Attorney and a Health Care Proxy drafted. Finally, she will talk about other forms of elder abuse, including how to identify if it is happening to you or a friend or neighbor and how to get help.
The Lincoln Academy:
Helgard Houtzeel—World War II Childhood In Germany
January 13 at 12:30 p.m.
Come to Bemis Hall on Monday, January 13 at 12:30 to hear Helgard Houtzeel discuss “World War II Childhood in Germany.” Bring a bag lunch. The COA provides beverages and dessert. The lectures last about an hour, including a question and answer period. Participants are welcome to stay after the program to continue their discussion.
The art of digital photography
January 16 at 10:30 a.m.
Learn the artistry of photography with film cinematographer Barbara Hanania and Harold McAleer on Thursday, January 16 at 10:30 a.m. at Bemis Hall. While digital cameras have made the process of taking pictures easier, the basics of composing photos, getting the light just right, are universal to both digital and film imagery. All are welcome, from beginners to more advanced photographers. We want you to bring your photos—printed, on CD, or flash drive—for Barbara and Harold’s suggestions. Whether originally shot on film or digital is not important. Discussing your photos will be our main focus (this will not be a tutorial on how to use your digital camera).
Make “Music Together” with Birches School children
January 17 at 10:30 a.m.
Music unites all generations. Come enjoy singing, playing instruments, listening, and dancing to music with elementary-age children from Birches School on Friday, January 17 at 10:30 a.m. at Bemis Hall. The program will be taught by Heather Mansfield of Music Together of Arlington. Music Together is an international program providing intergenerational informal music experiences that all ages will enjoy. Birches School, located across the street from Bemis Hall in the Stone Church, is an independent elementary school offering a nature-based, community-based curriculum.
Relax this year with self-hypnosis
January 17 at 1 p.m.
Are you ready to lower your stress level and simply be happier each and every day? Come hear Bob Martel, consulting hypnotist at Positive Results Hypnosis, on Friday, January 17 at 1 p.m. at Bemis Hall present a fun and enjoyable program to teach you how to use self-hypnosis to take control of your emotions and tensions so that you can easily relax and lower your stress level, sleep better, and improve your memory. Mr. Martel will explain how to use your subconscious mind to help you improve your peace of mind and overcome fears and anxieties.
Appreciate music with ear training
Starting January 21 at 9 or 10 a.m.
This fall’s course from the Concord Conservatory of Music on musical ear training was so successful that the COA is offering both a beginner’s course (for those who didn’t take the fall course) and an intermediate continuation of the fall course. Both will begin on Tuesday, January 21 and run for 12 weeks (with the expectation that one or two sessions will likely be cancelled by weather) at a cost of $65 each, payable to the Concord Conservatory of Music the first day of class. The beginner class will be at 9 a.m. and the intermediate at 10 a.m. In the beginner class, you’ll learn to hear musical structures on the piano. Then you’ll listen to different music to learn about music history, forms, and how to understand better what you hear. Soon you’ll recognize musical elements and identify style, time, and even the artists. You must sign up by calling the COA at 781-259-8811 by January 14.
Senior dining
January 21 at 11:30 a.m. — St. Anne’s Church
Lincoln seniors are invited to a gourmet meal in an elegant setting at 11:30 on Tuesday, January 21 at St. Anne’s Church. You must reserve by calling the COA at 781-259-8811 at least a week ahead even if you have previously attended. The cost of each meal is $5. Caregivers are welcome to come with those for whom they are caring. Let the COA know if you need transportation or a seating partner. The lunch is co-sponsored by the COA, the Friends of the COA, Minuteman Senior Services, and St. Anne’s. And the volunteer serving staff consists of your Lincoln friends and neighbors.
Have a story about the Center School to tell?
January 22 at 10 a.m.
Did you attend the Center School and have a story to tell? Town Clerk Susan Brooks welcomes Center School alumni and others to a gathering in which residents can have some coffee and light refreshments, share their memories, and enjoy reminiscing over photos of the Center School on Wednesday, January 22 at 10 a.m. in the Donaldson Room of Town Office Building. Jim Cunningham will video anyone who would like to have their memories recorded for the Town Archives.
Embracing life’s transitions
January 24 at 10 a.m.
How we experience life’s transitions depends strongly on how we perceive them and adapt to them, while still honoring the losses that transitions bring. Join Niki Pugach, MSW, of Parmenter VNA and Hospice each fourth Friday at 10 a.m. (January 24) at Bemis Hall when she leads a discussion of your experiences, thoughts and ideas, and concerns. This month’s discussion will focus on independence—what does it mean to you? How important is it?
Income tax help and information
January 24 at 1 p.m.
Volunteers certified under the AARP Tax Aide program will prepare your federal and Massachusetts personal income tax returns or answer your tax questions. This free service can answer most of the tax issues faced by low and middle income taxpayers, with special attention to those over age 60. Appointments begin in February. Call the COA office at 781-259-8811 to schedule a confidential appointment and get a list of documents you will need to bring. Also, come to Bemis Hall on Friday, January 24 at 1 p.m. to hear volunteers from the AARP/IRS Tax Aide program answer your less complicated questions about federal and state taxes. They will also explain what you need to bring to your appointment (you may have an appointment without coming to the program, of course).
Haute fun at Top of the Town
January 25 at 5 p.m. — deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum
Have you mailed in your RSVP for the new, improved, elegant and fun Top of the Town? The Top of the Town will be on Saturday, January 25 between 5 and 8 p.m. at the deCordova Museum! Mix and mingle while enjoying delicious hors d’oeuvres, an antipasto bar, and wine. The museum will also offer free tours. You must make a reservation by returning the RSVP portion of your invitation (the Friends of the COA cannot accept phoned-in reservations). Reservations are due to the Friends of the COA by January 17. Don’t miss this chance to dress up, chat with friends old and new, and be a part of the social event of the year.
The Lincoln Academy:
Eli Newell—Raising Chickens In Lincoln
January 27 at 12:30 p.m.
Come to Bemis Hall on Monday, January 27 at 12:30 to hear Eli Newell discuss “Raising Chickens in Lincoln.” Bring a bag lunch. The COA provides beverages and dessert. The lectures last about an hour, including a question and answer period. Participants are welcome to stay after the program to continue their discussion.
The art of colonial cooking
January 29 at 10 a.m.
Our colonial ancestors made delicious recipes using ingredients available to them, such as molasses and corn meal. Get a taste of 18th century life and take home recipes when Lincoln resident Martha Lufkin comes to Bemis Hall on Wednesday, January 29 at 10 a.m. She’ll demonstrate how to make some authentic colonial dishes and tell us about 18th-century dining trends. Limited to 10; please sign up in advance by calling the COA at 781-259-8811.
Lincoln short film festival
January 31 at 1 p.m.
All are invited to the COA’s Winter Carnival Lincoln Short Film Festival on Friday, January 31, at 1 p.m. at Bemis Hall featuring work by or related to filmmakers from or currently living in Lincoln. You’ll enjoy dramas, comedies, travelogues and documentaries. After some of the films we’ll have discussions with the filmmakers. Refreshments will be served.
Save the date:
Let your imagination swim wild at the aquarium!
Friday, February 28 at 10:30 a.m.
The new New England Aquarium experience is complete with 360-degree views of a spectacular Caribbean coral reef teeming with more than 140 species. Come explore the brand-new interactive exhibits when you go with the COA on Friday, February 28. The bus will leave from the Lincoln Mall at 10:30 a.m. and leave the aquarium at 2 p.m. There will be ample time to see it all and have lunch on your own in their lovely cafeteria. The price is $25, including admission, bus, and driver tip. The aquarium is handicapped accessible. Send a check made out to FLCOA/Trips to Ria Vet, 11 Juniper Ridge Road. Questions? Call Ria at 781-259-8090.
Something’s Afoot
March 12 at 1 p.m.
Join the fun for a Wednesday matinee of Something’s Afoot at the Stoneham Theatre in Stoneham on March 12. This musical mystery spoof of Agatha Christie stories is full of laughs and surprises. Lord Rancour has invited ten guests for a weekend at his country estate, but he is dead when they arrive. The race is on to find out whodunit before others fall victim. Free refreshments will be served at intermission. Non-refundable tickets are $25 each, partially supported by the Hurff Fund. A Doherty’s bus will leave Donelan’s at 1 p.m. Limited to 20 people. Handicapped accessible. To reserve your place, send a check before February 20, made out to “FLCOA/Trips” to Joanna Hopkins, 7 Linway Rd, with your email address and phone number. Call Joanna at 781-259-0194 for information.